New CDC study on high STD rates demonstrates critical need for improved education and treatment

Share This

LOS ANGELES — Planned Parenthood expressed deep concern over the findings of a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report indicating high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI), particularly among women, and reinforced the need to take action to reduce these alarming numbers.

“Individuals need to have accurate information, healthy relationship skills and access to services to protect their health. This is something that Planned Parenthood has been working toward for years,” said Mary-Jane Waglé, CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. “The women, men and teensof Los Angeles deserve medically accurate information to learn how to make these healthy choices and protect their future.”

According to the CDC, more than 1.4 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in the U.S. in 2007, and the number of reported syphilis cases continued to increase. Biological factors increase women’s vulnerability to infection and contribute to more severe consequences, including infertility.

A separate CDC report released Jan. 7 found that teen birthrates have risen significantly in 26 states.

“Replacing failed abstinence-only sex education programs with comprehensive sex education is a key tool for reducing unintended teen pregnancy and keeping the young people of this county safe and healthy,” Waglé noted. “And adults and teens need the kind of affordable, quality reproductive health care that Planned Parenthood advocates for and provides. With a focus on education and prevention, we can reverse these discouraging numbers.”